As the year comes to a close, many employers are focused on wrapping up projects and planning for the year ahead. One critical area that shouldn’t be overlooked during this time is employee benefits.

Year-end is the ideal opportunity to review your benefits strategy, address compliance requirements, and set your organization up for a smoother, and more cost-effective, new plan year.

Use this year-end employee benefits checklist to ensure nothing falls through the cracks before January 1.

1. Review Plan Renewals and Rate Increases

Renewal season can move quickly, and it’s easy to accept increases without fully understanding what’s driving them.

Before the new plan year begins, review:

• Premium increases and trend data

• Claims experience from the past year

• Opportunities to adjust plan design to manage costs

Tip: Even small changes can make a meaningful impact on long-term spending.

2. Confirm Compliance Requirements Are Met

Year-end is a critical time to ensure your benefits plans remain compliant with federal and regulatory requirements.

Key areas to review include:

• ACA reporting and affordability requirements

• ERISA documentation and plan notices

• Section 125 (cafeteria plan) compliance

Addressing compliance issues now helps reduce risk and avoid penalties in the new year.

3. Evaluate Employee Engagement and Communication

Open enrollment may be over, but employee understanding shouldn’t stop there.

Consider:

• Were employees engaged during enrollment?

• Did they understand their plan options?

• Are there ongoing education opportunities planned for the new year?

Clear communication leads to better plan utilization, fewer surprises, and improved employee satisfaction.

4. Analyze Claims and Utilization Data

Your claims data tells an important story, if you know how to read it.

Before year-end, review:

• High-cost claims trends

• Prescription drug utilization

• Preventive care participation

These insights can guide smarter decisions around plan design, wellness initiatives, and cost-containment strategies.

5. Plan Strategically for the Year Ahead

Rather than starting from scratch each renewal season, year-end is the perfect time to build a proactive benefits roadmap.

This includes:

• Setting cost-control goals

• Evaluating funding options (fully insured vs. self-funded)

• Exploring wellness and employee support programs

• Aligning benefits with recruitment and retention goals

A strategic plan reduces stress and improves outcomes year after year.

Start the New Year With a Strong Benefits Strategy

A thoughtful year-end review can make all the difference in controlling costs, staying compliant, and supporting your employees effectively.

At The Grigg Group, we partner with employers to provide year-round guidance, not just during renewal season, so your benefits strategy works today and into the future.

👉 Get ahead of the new plan year. Contact The Grigg Group to schedule a year-end benefits strategy session and start January with confidence.